Machining apparatus and method of making endodontic instruments

Abstract

A machining apparatus and method for fabricating endodontic instruments adapted for use in performing root canal procedures is disclosed. The machining apparatus includes computer numerical control (CNC) machining that automates much of the fabrication process. The disclosed machining apparatus and method is programmable to efficiently produce varying configurations of endodontic instruments on the same machining apparatus.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A machining apparatus for fabricating endodontic instruments having a plurality of instrument configurations comprising: a computer interface for storing operating parameters of a plurality of cutting configurations, each cutting configuration corresponding to at least one of the plurality of instrument configurations, for selecting one of the plurality of cutting configurations, and for generating control signals based upon the stored operating parameters of the cutting configuration selected; a grinding wheel for grinding the endodontic instruments; and a positioning mechanism for loading one of the endodontic instruments, for receiving the control signals, and for controlling a translational motion and a rotational velocity of the loaded endodontic instrument as the loaded endodontic instrument is moved past the grinding wheel at least in part in response to the control signals; wherein the positioning mechanism further comprises: a linear driving mechanism for providing the translational motion of the positioning mechanism along a horizontal axis; a lift mechanism for providing the translational motion of the positioning mechanism along a vertical axis; and a feed block having a spindle for supporting the loaded endodontic instrument and for providing the rotational velocity of the loaded endodontic instrument. 
     
     
       2. The machining apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the grinding wheel is disposed on a fixed spindle so that the grinding wheel is in a fixed position operable for fabricating each of the plurality of instrument configurations. 
     
     
       3. The machining apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the linear driving mechanism includes a positioning plate disposed on a top surface of the linear driving mechanism for supporting the lift mechanism. 
     
     
       4. The machining apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the positioning mechanism further comprises a pneumatic actuator having a mounting surface disposed on a top surface of the pneumatic actuator for mounting the feed block, the pneumatic actuator for providing positioning of the feed block in one of an engaged position adjacent the grinding wheel and a disengaged position remote from the grinding wheel. 
     
     
       5. The machining apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising a dressing mechanism disposed adjacent the grinding wheel for redressing the grinding wheel, the computer interface for storing measurement calculations of a diameter of the grinding wheel during redressing and for recalibrating the operating parameters of the plurality of cutting configurations based on the measurement calculations. 
     
     
       6. The machining apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the computer interface includes a jog dashboard for manually editing the stored operating parameters of the plurality of cutting configurations. 
     
     
       7. The machining apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the positioning mechanism includes a loading mechanism for automatically loading the endodontic instrument into the positioning mechanism. 
     
     
       8. The machining apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the computer interface is operable for storing operating parameters of a plurality of tapering configurations, for selecting one of the plurality of tapering configurations, and for generating control signals based upon the stored operating parameters of the tapering configuration selected for moving the loaded endodontic instrument past the grinding wheel for tapering the loaded endodontic instrument prior to moving the loaded endodontic instrument past the grinding wheel for fluting the loaded endodontic instrument. 
     
     
       9. A machining apparatus for fabricating endodontic instruments having a plurality of instrument configurations comprising:
 a computer interface for storing operating parameters of a plurality of cutting configurations, each cutting configuration corresponding to at least one of the plurality of instrument configurations, for selecting one of the plurality of cutting configurations, and for generating control signals based upon the stored operating parameters of the cutting configuration selected; 
 a grinding wheel disposed on a fixed spindle so that the grinding wheel is in a fixed position operable for fabricating each of the plurality of instrument configurations; and a positioning mechanism for receiving the control signals and for controlling a translational motion and a rotational velocity of the positioning mechanism, the positioning mechanism including: a linear driving mechanism for providing the translational motion of the positioning mechanism along a horizontal axis based at least in part on the control signals, a lift mechanism for providing the translational motion of the positioning mechanism along a vertical axis at least in part on the control signals, and a feed block having a spindle for loading an endodontic instrument to be fabricated and for providing a rotational velocity of the loaded endodontic instrument based at least in part on the control signals, the feed block for moving the loaded endodontic instrument past the grinding wheel based at least in part on the cutting configuration selected; wherein the stored operating parameters of the plurality of cutting configurations include tapering parameters, the positioning mechanism for moving the loaded endodontic instrument past the grinding wheel for tapering the loaded endodontic instrument according to the tapering parameters prior to moving the loaded endodontic instrument past the grinding wheel for fluting the loaded endodontic instrument.